Final answer:
A person facing serious illness may react to devastating news with denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, as per Kübler-Ross's model, though not necessarily in order or experiencing all stages. Coping mechanisms vary, with some finding solace in religious or spiritual beliefs, while others may face the news with dignity or delay facing it as a form of coping.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an individual facing a serious illness receives devastating news, their reaction can be complex and varied. Drawing from Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's model, one might initially react with denial, refusing to believe the reality of their condition. This could be followed by feelings of anger, seeing the situation as unfair, and possibly entering into bargaining as a way to negotiate for more time or a different outcome. Subsequent stages can include depression, as one comes to terms with the situation's gravity, and finally, acceptance, where the individual makes peace with the impending end of life.
Not every person will experience all stages or in the prescribed order, and individuals with strong religious or spiritual beliefs might find greater solace and support. For others, especially teenagers and young adults, facing the loss of a loved one can be particularly challenging, as it may be their first encounter with grief, which is a psychological, emotional, and social response to loss.
Diverse coping mechanisms exist, and where some might find not facing death until the end is adaptive, others might find dignity in acceptance from an earlier point. The Kübler-Ross model gives a framework, but every person's journey is unique, shaped by their personal experiences, beliefs, and social support networks.